Container

ABSTRACT

A container to facilitate storing and displaying collectibles is disclosed. The container includes a cover having an exterior surface and a base having an exterior surface. The container further may include at least one first actuator coupled to the exterior surfaces of the cover and the base, wherein the at least one first actuator moves the cover between a first open position and a second closed position. The container also may include a platform coupled within the container, wherein the platform comprises at least two shelves with at least one second actuator coupled between the two shelves, and the at least one second actuator is configured to raise and lower at least one shelf of the platform with respect to another shelf of the platform. Another container is disclosed. This container includes a cover having an interior surface, a top and at least one flange, and a base having an interior surface, at least three sides and a bottom. This container further includes at least one first actuator coupled to the interior surfaces of the cover and the base and coupled between the top and the bottom, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to raise and lower the cover between a first open position and a second closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed generally to the field of mechanically operated containers.

2. Description of the Related Art

Individuals may purchase collectibles that they want to store in a safe container and/or display.

Collectibles frequently are purchased and often not stored properly due to the lack of a proper storage container for the items.

For example, a purchaser of limited edition shoes in a traditional shoe box. A traditional shoe box is usually fabricated of cardboard and has indicia making it difficult, if not impossible, to view the shoes within the box. Further, the traditional shoe box must be opened in order to access and/or view the shoes.

Also, any traditional shoe box must be opened manually and over the years may start to disintegrate due to use or the quality of the materials. A disintegrated box does not prevent dirt and dust from collecting on the items stored within the box.

An automated shoe box would ease opening and closing of the box and may prolong the life of the shoe box.

What is needed is a container that overcomes these drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a container to facilitate storing and displaying collectibles is disclosed. The container includes a cover having an exterior surface and a base having an exterior surface. The container further may include at least one first actuator coupled to the exterior surfaces of the cover and the base, wherein the at least one first actuator moves the cover between a first open position and a second closed position. The container also may include a platform coupled within the container, wherein the platform comprises at least two shelves with at least one second actuator coupled between the at least two shelves, and the at least one second actuator is configured to raise and lower at least one shelf of the platform with respect to another shelf of the platform.

In another aspect, a container is disclosed. This container includes a cover having an interior surface, a top and at least one flange, and a base having an interior surface, at least three sides and a bottom. This container further includes at least one first actuator coupled to the interior surfaces of the cover and the base and coupled between the top and the bottom, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to raise and lower the cover between a first open position and a second closed position.

These and other features and advantages are evident from the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a two-piece container in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a two-piece container in an open position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a display mechanism that may be inserted into a container, such as the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the display mechanism shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a two-piece container in an open position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a one-piece container in an open position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a two-piece container in an open position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As described herein, a container 10 may be configured to display and/or store items or collectibles, such as a pair of shoes.

As shown in the FIGS., container 10 may include a base 12 and cover 14. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, base 12 and cover 14 may be one piece and may include a hinge 16 therebetween, such that cover 14 rotates about a hinge 16. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5, and 7, base 12 and cover 14 are separate pieces.

Container 10 further may include a first actuator 18 coupled to both base 12 and cover 14, such that actuator 18 may move cover 14 between a first position and a second position.

Additionally, container 10 may include a mechanism or switch 20 coupled to at least one of base 12 and cover 14 to activate actuator 18.

Container 10 also may include at least one optional platform or shelf 16 therein, as shown in FIG. 3. The items within the box may rest on platform 16. In one embodiment, platform 16 may be moved between a first display position and a second stored position with a second actuator 22, such that the contents of the box, e.g., a pair of shoes, may be displayed or accessed when cover 14 is open and may be stored when cover 14 is closed.

Container 10 may be substantially rectangular in shape with four sides 30, 32, 34, 36; however, container 10 may be any shape. For example, container 10 may be in the shape of a bottle, a flower, or a ball, such as a basketball or baseball.

Base 12

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, base 12 may include at least four generally planar sides 30, 32, 34, 36, wherein each side 30, 32, 34, 36 has a top edge 38, a bottom edge 40, and two side edges extending therebetween, an interior surface 42 and an opposing exterior surface 44.

More specifically, side 30 is adjacent to and substantially normal with respect to side 32 via a side edge 46, side 32 is adjacent to and substantially normal with respect to side 34 via a side edge 48, side 34 is adjacent to and substantially normal with respect to side 36 via a side edge 50, and side 36 is adjacent to and substantially normal with respect to side 30 via a side edge 52. Further, each side 30, 32, 34, 36 may be generally planar and substantially normal with respect to its adjacent sides. Alternatively, sides 30, 32, 34, 36 may be curved or be any other suitable shape.

Base 12 further may include a bottom 53 that extends from and may be substantially normal to sides 30, 32, 34, 36.

Additionally, base 12 may be sized to receive a display mechanism, such as platform 22, therein and/or may be sized to receive various items, such as collectibles.

Moreover, base 12 may be fabricated from any material or combination thereof, including but not limited to cardboard, acrylic, plastic, aluminum, wood and/or other metals.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, base 12 may include at least four generally planar sides 30, 32, 34, 36, and may include at least one cut-out portion 54 proximate top edge 38 of at least one of sides 30, 36, such that the at least one cut-out portion 54 is configured to receive screws and/or other hardware coupled to actuator 18 to enable base 12 and cover 14 to fully engage one another without interference from the hardware.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, base 12 includes three sides 32, 34, 36 and bottom 53. Further, side 32 may include a groove 55 therein proximate edge 46, side 34 may include a groove 57 therein proximate edge 52, and bottom 53 may include a groove 59 therein proximate bottom edge 40. Grooves 55, 57, 59 may be configured to receive edges of a cover 14 therein.

In another embodiment, not shown, container 10 may include more than one base 12, wherein the bases are coupled together via at least one side, and may include one cover 14.

Base 12 further may include at least one fastening mechanism, such as a magnetic mechanism, to couple cover 14 and base 12.

Cover 14

A cover 14 may be configured to couple to, engage or overlap with at least a portion of base 12, preferably proximate top edge 38 of at least one side 30, 32, 34, 36.

Cover 14 may have a generally planar top surface 75 which has an interior surface 76 and an opposing exterior surface 78. In one embodiment, a sheet metal plate is coupled to interior surface 76 to enforce surface 75 and add rigidity.

Additionally, surface 75 may include at least four edges 60, 62, 64, 66, and may include a rim or flange 68 extending from at least one edge 60, 62, 64, 66. Flange 68 may have any size. Flange 68 may magnetically couple to base 12 via a magnetic component.

Moreover, cover 14 may be fabricated from any material or combination thereof, including but not limited to cardboard, acrylic, plastic, aluminum, wood and/or other metals. Additionally, cover 14 and base 12 may be fabricated from the same or different materials. It is preferable that when base 12 and cover 14 are one piece that they be fabricated from the same material.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, cover 14 and base 12 may be fabricated as two-pieces and cover 14 may be configured to couple to base 12 near top edge 38 of at least one side 30, 32, 34, 36 via a mechanism, such as a mechanical hinge 16, such that cover 14 may rotate along the hinge between a first open position 56 and a second closed position 58. In the first open position 56, a user may have access to the collectibles stored within container 10. In this embodiment, flange 68 is substantially normal to surface 75 and extends from at least three edges 62, 64, 66. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, flange 68 extends from edges 60, 62, 64, 66.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, cover 14 and base 12 may be fabricated as two-pieces, and cover 14 may removably couple to base 12 near top edge 38 of at least one side 30, 32, 34, 36 without a hinge. Further, in this embodiment, flange 68 is substantially normal to surface 75 and extends from four edges 60, 62, 64, 66.

In yet another embodiment, as shown as shown in FIG. 6, cover 14 and base 12 may be fabricated as one-piece and cover 14 may be configured to couple to base 12 near top edge 38 of at least one side 30, 32, 34 and 36 via a live hinge, such that cover 14 may rotate along the hinge between a first open position 56 and a second closed position 58. In this embodiment, flange 68 is substantially normal to surface 75 and extends from at least three edges 60, 62, 66.

In a further embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, cover 14 and base 12 may be fabricated as two-pieces and cover 14 may removably couple to base 12 near top edge 38 of at least one side 32, 34, 36. In this embodiment, base 12 has three sides 32, 34 and 36 and cover 14 includes top surface 75 and a single flange 68 extending substantially normal from edge 64. Single flange 68 may have a size that is substantially the same as at least one side 32, 34, 35. Further, flange 68 may be configured to engage at least one groove 55, 57, 59.

In an additional embodiment, not shown in the figures, two bases 12 are coupled together, i.e., side 32 of a single base is coupled to side 36 of a second base, to form one longer base. In this embodiment, a single cover 14 is configured to cover the two bases 12 coupled together.

Cover 14 further may include at least one fastening mechanism, such as a magnetic mechanism, to couple cover 14 and base 12.

Actuator 18

At least one actuator 18 may be coupled to base 12 and cover 14 to facilitate moving cover 14 with respect to base 12. Additional actuators may provide additional power to open and/or move cover 14.

In one embodiment, a single actuator 18 is coupled to base 12 and cover 14. In another embodiment, an actuator 18 is coupled to base 12 and cover 14 on one side and a second actuator coupled to base 12 and cover 14 on the opposite side, wherein the second actuator may be included to further facilitate moving cover 14 in relation to base 12. For example, an actuator 18 may be coupled to side 36 and cover 14, and a second actuator may be coupled to side 32 and cover 14.

Also, actuator 18 may be coupled to either the exterior surfaces of cover 14 or base 12 or may be coupled to the interior surfaces of cover 14 and base 12. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5, actuator 18 may be coupled to the exterior surfaces of base 12 and cover 14 and/or flange 68. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, actuator 18 may be coupled to the interior surfaces of base 12 and cover 14 and/or flange 68.

Actuator 18 is configured to move cover 14 between first open position 56 and a second closed position 58. In one embodiment, actuator 18 telescopes to facilitate moving the cover between position 56 and position 58.

Actuator 18 may have a first end 80 and an opposing second end 82 with a telescoping mechanism therebetween. In one embodiment, actuator 18 is tubular, wherein end 82 has a larger diameter than diameter of end 81. Moreover, in one embodiment, actuator 18 has a length between ends 80 and 82. The length of actuator 18 may vary depending on how high one desires cover 14 to be opened and/or raised. For example, when container 10 includes platform 22, cover 14 may be raised to a height that is higher than without platform 22, such that platform 22 may be visible when container 10 is open.

In one embodiment, first end 80 is coupled to base 12 and second end 82 is coupled to cover 14, preferably with a fastening mechanism and at least one spacer to prevent interference between actuator 18 and container 10.

Further, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, at least one side 30, 32, 34, 36 may include a cut-out portion 54, wherein cut-out portion 54 is configured to receive screws and/or other hardware coupled to actuator 18 and/or is configured to receive a portion of second end 82 therein.

First end 80 may be coupled a distance 81 from edge 50 and second end 82 may be coupled a distance 83 from edge 50. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 6, distance 83 is greater than distance 81, preferably distance 83 at least two times greater than distance 81, which may reduce the amount of force and energy required to open cover 14. For example, first end 80 may be coupled to side 36 about half way between edges 50 and 52, and second end 82 is coupled to flange 68 extending from edge 66 about ¼ of the way along flange 68. In this embodiment, actuator 18 may form an acute angle 85 with respect to bottom 53 of base 12.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, distances 81 and 83 are substantially equal. In this embodiment, actuator 18 may be substantially normal with respect to bottom 53 of base 12.

In yet another embodiment, first end 80 may be coupled at any position along base 12 and second end 82 may be coupled at any position along flange 68 to facilitate movement of cover 14.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, actuator 18 is configured to rotate cover 14 along a mechanical hinge 16, shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, or a living hinge, as shown in FIG. 6, between position 56 and position 58.

In one embodiment, actuator 18 may rotate cover 14 past a vertical position, such that when cover 14 is in an open position, cover 14 and top edge 38 of base 12 form an obtuse angle 84. For example, angle 84 may be between about 91 degrees and about 175 degrees, preferably between about 100 degrees and 145 degrees, and more preferably about 120 degrees. Opening cover 14 past a vertical position facilitates easy removal and/or viewing of the collectibles within container 10.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, at least one telescoping actuator is coupled to the interior of container 10 between bottom 53 and top surface 75 to raise and lower cover 14, wherein each actuator is substantially normal to bottom 53 and top surface 75. If one telescoping actuator is used, rather than more than one actuator, then it may be positioned in the center of bottom 53. Preferably, in this embodiment, two actuators are used and are each positioned a distance from sides 32 and 36, and the distance may be between about 0.5″ and about 1″ and preferably about 0.75″. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, actuators 18 may move cover 14 between a first closed position and a second open position, wherein the actuators 18 raise cover 14 directly above base 12.

Platform 22

In one embodiment, container 10 may include a removable display or platform 22 to facilitate displaying collectibles. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, container 10 includes platform 22. Other embodiments may also be configured to receive platform 22, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

Platform 22 is sized to fit within container 10 and may be fabricated from any material or combination thereof, including but not limited to cardboard, acrylic, plastic, aluminum, wood and/or other metals.

Further, platform 22 may include at least one shelf. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, platform may include an upper shelf 88 having an upper surface 92 and a lower surface 94, and a lower shelf 90 with an upper surface 96 and a lower surface 98, and at least one second actuator 24 coupled therebetween. For example, two actuators 100 and 102 may be coupled between shelves 88 and 90 and more particularly between surfaces 94 and 96.

When platform 22 includes shelves 88 and 90, shelf 90 may be coupled to bottom 53. Alternatively, when platform 22 includes one shelf, such as shelf 88, and at least one actuator 24, actuator 24 may be coupled directly to bottom 53.

Shelves 88 and 90 may be substantially planar surfaces and may be substantially rectangular in shape with four side edges 104, 106, 108, 110; however, shelves 88 and 90 may be any shape to accommodate the shape of container 10. For example, if container 10 is in the shape of a bottle, then shelves 88 and 90 also may be in the shape of a bottle to fit in container 10 with minimal clearance between the sides of container 10 and shelves 88 and 90.

Second Actuator 24

As mentioned herein, platform 22 may include at least one actuator 24 to facilitate moving platform 22. Each actuator has a first end 104 and a second end 106 and may telescope. In one embodiment, actuator 24 is configured to raise and/or lower shelf 88 with respect to shelf 90 between a stored or first position and a display or second position. In the display position, shelf 88 may be raised to be aligned with or above top edge 38 of the sides of container 10, such that collectibles on shelf 88 are visible. In the stored position, shelf 88 may be lowered to below top edge 38 of the sides of container 10.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, platform 22 includes two actuators 100 and 102 that may be electrically connected in parallel, wherein each actuator 100 and 102 is coupled between shelves 88 and 90, and are configured to work substantially simultaneously. Actuators 100 and 102 may be coupled to shelves 88 and 90 with a fastening mechanism.

Each actuator 100 and 102 may be substantially normal to shelves 88 and 90. Preferably, in one embodiment, first ends 104 are coupled about ½ between edges 106 and 110. Further, actuator 100 may be a predetermined distance from edge 104 and actuator 102 may be a predetermined distance from edge 108. The predetermined distances may be the same or may be different. In one embodiment, each distance may be between about 0.5″ and about 2″, preferably between about 0.75″ and about 1.5″, and more preferably between about 1″.

Switch 20

Container 10 further may include at least one switch 20 to facilitate operation of actuators and to open and/or close cover 14. When cover 14 is open, a user may access and/or view collectibles stored within container 10.

Switch 20 may be coupled to base 12 and preferably is coupled to exterior surface 44 of side 30, such that a user may easily access switch 20.

In one embodiment, switch 20 is electrically coupled to at least one actuator 18. More specifically, in one embodiment, switch 20 may be a double pole double switch 116 and may be manually actuated by a mechanical lever or toggle. Switch 116 may move between three positions, i.e., a first position where switch may be pushed in one direction, a second position where switch may be pushed in an opposite direction, or a third position where switch is in a middle position. In one embodiment, when the mechanical lever is pushed into the first position, actuator 18 opens or raises cover 14 until cover 14 cannot open any further due to mechanical limitations or until the mechanical lever is released. When the mechanical lever is pushed in the other direction, actuator 18 closes lowers cover 14 until cover 14 is closed or until the mechanical lever is released. When the switch is in the third or middle position, cover 14 is stationary and does not move.

In an embodiment where container 10 includes platform 22 and at least one switch 116, an additional switch may be coupled to container 10 to operate second actuator 24. The additional switch may be any type of switch to facilitate moving platform 22.

In another embodiment, switch 20 may be a single switch or a push-button switch 120. Switch 120 may be electrically coupled to at least one actuator 18 and/or actuator 24. Switch 120 may move between two positions, i.e., a first “on” position and a second “off” position, and may be electrically coupled to a microcontroller or a single integrated circuit that may facilitate automatically controlling actuators 18 and/or 24.

In one embodiment, microcontroller may be programmed to:

-   -   i. open cover 14;     -   ii. pause for a predetermined period of time, such as         approximately 5 seconds;     -   iii. close cover 14; and     -   iv. stop.

In another embodiment, microcontroller may be programmed to:

-   -   i. open cover 14;     -   ii. pause for a predetermined period of time, such as         approximately 5 seconds;     -   iii. close cover 14;     -   iv. repeat a predetermined number of times; and     -   v. stop.

In a further embodiment, microcontroller may be programmed to:

-   -   i. open cover 14;     -   ii. pause for a predetermined period of time, such as         approximately 5 seconds;     -   iii. close cover 14;     -   iv. run continuously.

Moreover, in an embodiment where container 10 includes platform 22, microcontroller also may facilitate raising and lowering platform 22.

In one embodiment, microcontroller may be programmed to:

-   -   i. open cover 14;     -   ii. pause for a predetermined period of time, such as         approximately 2 seconds;     -   iii. raise platform 22;     -   iv. pause for a predetermined period of time, such as         approximately 5 seconds;     -   v. lower platform 22;     -   vi. pause for a predetermined period of time, such as         approximately 2 seconds;     -   vii. close cover 14;     -   viii. pause for a predetermined period of time, such as         approximately 2 seconds;     -   ix. repeat steps i through viii a predetermined number of times;     -   x. stop.

In another embodiment, microcontroller may be programmed to:

-   -   i. open cover 14;     -   ii. pause for a predetermined period of time, such as         approximately 2 seconds;     -   iii. raise platform 22;     -   iv. pause for a predetermined period of time, such as         approximately 5 seconds;     -   v. lower platform 22;     -   vi. pause for a predetermined period of time, such as         approximately 2 seconds;     -   vii. close cover 14;     -   viii. pause for a predetermined period of time, such as         approximately 2 seconds;     -   ix. run continuously.

Switch 20 also may be configured to respond to a stimulus. For example, switch 20 may respond to a motion sensor that may be either a mechanical device, which may physically interact with the field, or by an electronic device, which may quantify and measure changes in the given environment. The motion sensor may detect motion by measuring change in speed or vector of an object or objects in the field of view of the sensor. For example, the motion may be detected by an individual walking in front of the motion sensor. In another example, switch 20 may respond to a fingerprint module. The fingerprint module would be used for fingerprint authentication and provide a level of security, wherein a user presses or swipes at least one finger in front of the fingerprint module to authenticate the user. Once the user is authenticated, then the fingerprint module would communicate with switch 20 to activate movement of cover 14 and/or of platform 22.

In embodiments with additional actuators, each actuator may be electrically coupled to switch 20 and/or microcontroller to facilitate the operation of opening container 10 by moving cover 14 and/or to move platform 22 by raising and/or lowering shelf 88.

Power

Container 10 may include a power source or supply to supply energy. In one embodiment, a power source is electrically coupled to at least one actuator and/or to at least one switch and/or microcontroller and/or circuit to power and/or operate the same. The power source may be a battery. For example, a 9V battery or a 12V battery. In another embodiment, the power source may come to from an outlet in the wall. In such an embodiment, container 10 may have a converter to facilitate operation of container 10.

Climate

In one embodiment, container 10 may be climate controlled with a climate control mechanism.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific exemplary embodiment and method herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described embodiment and method, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention as claimed. 

1. A container to facilitate storing and displaying collectibles, the container comprising: a cover having a surface; a base having a surface; at least one first actuator coupled to the surfaces of the cover and the base, wherein the at least one first actuator moves the cover between a first open position and a second closed position; and a platform coupled within the container, wherein the platform comprises at least two shelves with at least one second actuator coupled between the at least two shelves, and the at least one second actuator is configured to raise and lower at least one shelf of the platform with respect to another shelf of the platform.
 2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the first actuator is a telescoping actuator.
 3. The container according to claim 1, wherein when the cover is in the first open position, the cover is rotatable past a vertical position such that the cover forms an obtuse angle with an exterior surface of the base.
 4. The container according to claim 1, further comprising a switch coupled to an exterior surface of the base, wherein the switch is configured to operate the at least one first actuator.
 5. The container according to claim 4, wherein the switch is at least one of a push button or a double pole double throw.
 6. The container according to claim 5, wherein the push button switch is electrically coupled to a microcontroller.
 7. The container according to claim 1, wherein the container is powered with a battery.
 8. The container according to claim 1, further comprising a fingerprint authorization module coupled to an exterior surface of the base.
 9. The container according to claim 1, wherein the surfaces of the base and cover are exterior surfaces.
 10. The container according to claim 1, further comprising a hinge coupled between the cover and the base, such that the hinge facilitates rotating the cover with respect to the base.
 11. The container according to claim 10, wherein the hinge is at least one of a living hinge and a mechanical hinge.
 12. A container to facilitate storing and displaying collectibles, the container comprising: a cover having an interior surface, a top and at least one flange; a base having an interior surface, at least three sides and a bottom; at least one first actuator coupled to the interior surfaces of the cover and the base and coupled between the top and the bottom, wherein the at least one actuator is configured to raise and lower the cover between a first open position and a second closed position.
 13. The container according to claim 12, wherein the at least three sides of the cover are generally planar, and wherein the top and flange are generally planar.
 14. The container according to claim 12, wherein the base includes a groove, wherein the groove is configured to receive at least a portion of the cover therein.
 15. The container according to claim 13, wherein the groove is configured to receive at least a portion of the flange therein.
 16. The container according to claim 1 wherein the base and cover surfaces are interior surfaces.
 17. The container according to claim 1 wherein the at least one second actuator comprises two spaced actuators with storage space therebetween.
 18. The container according to claim 12 wherein the at least one first actuator comprises two actuators with space therebetween.
 19. The container according to claim 12 wherein the cover is oriented in an open position to be used as a platform to display an article stored within the container. 